— Manuel Gonzalez Sanz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Costa Rica

As an old Chinese saying goes, a superior man thinks of virtues while a petty man thinks of the favor received by him. Both China and the Latin American and the Caribbean countries are broad-minded nations with high aims, thus they can sincerely cooperate with each other to forge the future jointly. In July 2014, during the leaders meeting of China and Latin American and the Caribbean countries in Brazil, President Xi Jinping clearly elaborated China's policy on its relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. Leaders from both sides also jointly announced the establishment of China-Latin America and the Caribbean Partnership of Comprehensive Cooperation as well as China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, which became a new starting point for the two sides to create a bright future together.

President Xi's speech at the opening ceremony of the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum demonstrated great foresight and described the future of the China-Latin America and the Caribbean strategic partnership---an event of important historical significance. Here, I would like to note some of the major points of his speech: first, adhering to equality and sincere mutual assistance, strengthening exchanges of experience on governance and deepening strategic mutual trust; second, constructing the new "1+3+6" cooperation framework to promote common development; third, China would officially launch the special loan for China-Latin America and the Caribbean infrastructure projects, preferential loans and funds for China-Latin America and the Caribbean cooperation as well as special funds for agricultural cooperation; fourth, promoting the "Science and Technology Partnership" and the "Young Scientists Exchange Program" for China-Latin America and the Caribbean; fifth, advancing cooperation and exchanges between governments, legislative bodies, political parties and local governments between the two sides and deepening exchanges and cooperation in the fields of education, culture, sports, media and tourism; sixth, in the coming five years, China will provide more government scholarships and training opportunities to CELAC members, invite more party and young leaders from Latin American and the Caribbean countries to visit China and host the Year of Cultural Exchanges in 2016; seventh, China is willing to cooperate with Latin American and the Caribbean countries at the United Nations, APEC, G20, G77 and other international organizations and multilateral mechanisms, stepping up coordination and cooperation on such major issues as global governance, sustainable development and climate change; and eighth, the two sides should insist on overall cooperation to promote bilateral relations.

Latin America and the Caribbean hope to successfully address the various challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, we attach great importance to President Xi's initiatives and regard them as a clear signal that China intends to strengthen relations, deepen mutual trust and promote friendship with Latin America and the Caribbean. As Foreign Minister of Costa Rica, now the rotating presidency of the CELAC, I will have the pleasure to co-preside over the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of China-CELAC Forum with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on January 8-9. The preparatory work of the meeting fully demonstrated the sound relations between China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries and has further consolidated and deepened their friendly relations. China-Latin America and the Caribbean Comprehensive Cooperation Partnership is established on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, mutual respect, flexibility and voluntary participation as well as common development. The establishment of the China-CELAC Forum will be conducive to the further cooperation between the two sides, promoting more comprehensive and inclusive growth, strengthening bilateral in-depth cooperation in political, economic, social and cultural aspects, and eventually achieving the goal of common progress and common development.

Costa Rica appreciates the Chinese dream of great national renewal proposed by President Xi. Latin America and the Caribbean have their own dream of achieving regional solidarity and cooperation as well as development and revitalization. These shared dreams and aspirations have closely bonded us together. The establishment of the China-CELAC Forum will bring fresh opportunities for the development of China-Latin America and the Caribbean relations. As a community of shared destiny on the path of development, the two sides should unite and work as one, continue to innovate and create the future together. Costa Rica wishes to move forward hand-in-hand with the Chinese Government and Chinese people on the path to achieving our great goal.